‘Come From Away’ Makes Unforgettable Landing At Cape Playhouse

The powerful musical “Come From Away” landed last week at the Cape Playhouse to a sold-out crowd, and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. This is the fourth show for the summer theater’s run and what an outstanding experience it was! 

“Come From Away” is based on true events that occurred when U.S. airspace was closed and all airplanes were grounded following the Sept. 11 terror attacks. The show chronicles what happens when more than 30 planes, roughly 7,000 people, were diverted to Gander, New Foundland (population a few thousand). 

The story that unfolds is one of hope, resiliency, human compassion and empathy as a small town scrambles to care for the “plane people.” The story is ultimately about healing. We witness how the passengers cope with the fear and the unknown. Without giving anything away, you would never think that a musical surrounding 9/11 could be entertaining or even humorous, but “Come From Away” is just that and so much more. It is about the best of the human spirit and the human connection we all need. 

“Come From Away” is directed and choreographed by Tony Award-nominated Kelly Devine, who was also the choreographer in the original Broadway production. Devine won the Lawrence Olivier Award for Best Choreography for her work in the West End production of “Come From Away” in 2019. 

One of the best parts of The Cape Playhouse’s production of “Come From Away” is that it is a reunion of sorts for the cast, many of whom were in the show on Broadway or the national tours. Those cast members include De’Lon Grant, Joel Hatch, James Seol, Pearl Sun and Jim Walton. Rounding out the cast are Kelli Barrett, Mary Callanan, Garrett Long, Christiani Pitts, William Popp, Ryann Redmond, Renee Shohet, Andre Williams and Jeremy Woodard.

Every actor on stage played multiple characters, almost simultaneously. That may sound chaotic, but the cast pulled it off flawlessly. The rich texture and the character development that is achieved in “Come From Away” was remarkable. 

The show is of course a musical and is chalk-full of over a dozen songs of hope and humor. The musical style in “Come From Away” is very unique, blending Celtic, folk and even some rock music, giving the audience a real sense of the culture in New Foundland. Standout numbers include “Welcome to the Rock,” “38 Planes” and “Somewhere in the Middle of Nowhere.”

One of the most memorable moments in the show occurs during the finale where the entire cast and orchestra comes out on stage to perform together as one. Orchestra members include musical director Lena Gabrielle (conductor, keyboard, accordion), Dan Meyers (whistles, flute, pipes), Tara Novak (fiddle), Steve Marchena (guitar), Adam McOwen (guitar, mandolin), Brian O’Neill (percussion) and Thomas Schmidt (drums, percussion).

Of all the productions I have seen, I can’t recall a time where I truly felt the raw vulnerability of the characters on the stage so deeply. Bravo to Eric Rosen, Kelly Devine and the entire cast of “Come From Away” for a magnificent experience and for bringing this unforgettable story to the Cape.

DETAILS
“Come From Away”

At the Cape Playhouse, Route 6A, Dennis

Through Aug. 30

Information and reservations: 508-385-3911, capeplayhouse.com